Jianming Zhou (周健敏)

In Loving Memory of Jianming Zhou (周健敏)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jianming (Jim) Zhou, a beloved husband, father, and friend, who left us on March 15th, 2025 at the age of 59. Born in Shanghai, China, he was raised with his sisters, the late Guangxian Zhou and is survived by Wenxian Zhou. He was a man of profound intellect, unwavering passion, and enduring love for his family and friends.

From a young age, Jim exhibited a deep thirst for knowledge and a determination to excel. He pursued his studies at Peking University (北大) and Peking Union Medical School (中国协和医科大学), where he met the love of his life, Rui Wang. Together, they began their journey as husband and wife in 1990. He later achieved a PhD in Cell Biology from Baylor Medical School, marking the start of a remarkable academic and professional journey.

With an inquisitive mind and bold spirit, Jim transitioned from his career in science to explore his passion for finance, ultimately settling with his family in Pennsylvania. Never one to shy away from innovation, he later returned to China for a few years to start a business creating financial software as an entrepreneur—a testament to his adventurous and experimental nature.

Jim’s life was a testament to the power of generosity and compassion. He was a steadfast and caring friend, always ready to offer a helping hand and support those in need. A friend in China sent out a call for help, asking if someone, anyone, could help their child, a college student in Philadelphia. Jim happily volunteered, not only storing their belongings for the summer, but even acting as a courier without being asked, helping to ferry the items to and from with a smile on his face. Acts like these defined his character and left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Jim embraced a variety of hobbies that brought him joy. A passionate collector of antiques, he was particularly fond of ancient Chinese snuff bottles, which reflected his appreciation for history and culture. He also found immense happiness in fishing, proudly sharing stories of his latest catch, and exploring new destinations during his travels. He explored the world from Asia to the Americas to Europe and planned to visit Africa in this coming year. He loved cooking, with his beef noodle soup (牛肉面) and sweet rice wine (酒酿) being family favorites. True to his Shanghainese roots, he had an affinity for high-quality cuisine, with yanduxian (腌笃鲜) holding a special place in his heart. 

Above all, Jim was a devoted family man who took immense pride in his children, Amy and Aaron. He loved sporting the colors of his children’s colleges, often wearing the orange Caltech shirt or the navy Nittany Lion on a hat. His boundless support, love, and pride for his family will forever remain in the hearts of those he cherished. 

He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and inspiring perseverance. Jim will be deeply missed, yet his memory will live on in the lives he touched. 

Services to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, (610)431-9000. The visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM followed by his Celebration of Life at 2:30 PM. All are invited to a meal from 3:30-5:00 PM at Asuka, 1502 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382.